BioCanRx, Canada’s Immunotherapy Network, is joining the global campaign to recognize the UN’s International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
This international day is all about supporting and promoting the access of women and girls and their participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics education, training, and research activities at all levels, and occurs on February 11th every year.
We asked women in the BioCanRx Network to share their opinions, knowledge, and advice through a series of questions relating to women in science. Read on for their important insights!
What is your favourite part about working in science?
I am a neurosurgeon and a scientist and I divide my time between patient care and lab research. Both of my jobs are very rewarding, but in different ways: while on clinical service, I often urgently operate on acutely ill children and there is an immediate gratification to relieving someone’s pain or pressure on their brain with a surgical procedure. However, while surgery provides an immediate fix for a problem like brain cancer, it does not always offer a durable or longstanding cure. This is where I can return to the lab with a sense of purpose and curiosity, to develop new models and apply new ideas to solve a problem that is directly relevant to a patient’s needs. Laboratory research requires patience, perseverance, diligence and a profound work ethic to generate meaningful and reproducible data that may one day affect a patient’s course of illness, because 90% of the data you generate is negative, and it takes great patience and insight to finally trace the positive results that will become meaningful. It is not an immediate impact like surgery, but only science can offer those durable, long term solutions to problems that patients face. In the lab, we are always on the cusp of some new and seminal discovery that could be game-changing and transformative.. we just may not recognize it right away, as many scientific discoveries are serendipitous. Science takes patience.. but it is always worth it, and it provides the long term gratification that one day all of our work will improve the lives of our patients, with potentially durable and positive impacts on their lives. It is easy to keep going back to the lab bench every day, to pursue big challenges in a positive way and with hopes of finding meaning on the path to discovery.
– Dr. Sheila Singh, Pediatric Neurosurgeon, Professor, and Scientist; Canada Research Chair in Human Cancer Stem Cell Biology
What do you think we can do to get more women in science?
We can do small things to make science more inclusive, like being aware of the language we use around others and embracing diversity rather than questioning it. However, I believe real change must occur at the level of our government and institutions. We need to advocate for meaningful changes that accommodate what life looks like for different individuals. For example, as a woman in science, some changes I have appreciated and benefited from include stipends that support maternity leave and awards for underrepresented individuals.
– Sarah Nersesian, MSc; Vanier Scholar & Science Illustrator
What advice would you give to your younger self about going into science?
I would tell myself to remain curious and brave, to follow the data, even when, especially when, the results are unexpected. I would reassure myself that it is okay to be disruptive, as long as you are respectful and honest. It’s important to point things out that might make others feel uncomfortable because they are not ready to hear them. I would remind myself that it takes pride to ask for help and that falling down is part of the journey, so find someone who will believe in you, even when you don’t believe in yourself…and, in turn, be that person for someone else.
– Dr. Rebecca Auer, Surgical Oncologist & Scientist
What excites you about women in science?
The future of women in STEM is exciting. With raising awareness of gender gaps and the increasing number of resources and support available to young girls, the impacts to be made by women in STEM are boundless. I look forward to watching future generations of women continue to support each other and strive for equality.
– Andrea Vervoort, B.ASc. Junior Data Scientist | virica biotech inc.
What is the future you envision for women in science?
“I envision a future where women never have to worry about following their passion for science. I think that we all, each one of us, should be welcomed into the STEM community, respected and valued.”
– Dr. Carolina Ilkow Senior Scientist & Assistant Professor
